WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. Sadly this has been in decline in recent years, but we are working with our members and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.
Young Achiever Competition
The Young Achiever competition recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.
It pushes entrants to learn valuable new skills, gives them exceptional networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a boost to their careers.
Each year our Young Achiever joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year. Applicants must be less than 30 years old at the beginning of the year.
Check out the 2021 Young Achiever Website for information and the entry forms. Entries close Sunday 2 May.
Young Achiever 2021 is sponsored by Horticentre Charitable Trust and hosted by NZ Plant Producers, International Plant Producers Society NZ region, and Growing Spectrum.
For more information contact Alix Walles alix@nzppi.co.nz, 04-918 3511.
Careers & Education
With about 4000 people employed in our sector and many unfilled jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for people to join our industry and pursue an exciting and rewarding career.
We work with other primary organisations to identify the best structure for a Primary Workforce Development Council to represent our sector.
This work includes:
- Developing our industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
- Promoting free apprenticeships
- Establishing a way for people to find jobs in our sector
Workplace Training
The $1.6 Billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package announced by the Government will provide free training in our sector for a two year period, starting 1 June 2020.
This is a prime opportunity for anyone working in your business to take the step upskilling. There are many new training opportunities for workers that are starting out, or already in management positions.
To find out more, visit the Primary ITO Website
LATEST
Students Lining up for Horticulture
Last month Matt Dolan had the privilege to present at the Horticulture Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) Conference in Motueka, where he learned that after decades of declining student numbers, horticulture classes are again filling up.
Do you know any Young Achievers?
Entries close on Sunday 2 May for the Young Achiever of the Year 2021. Do you know any Young Achievers you can encourage to take the next step in their career?
Business Central's Payroll Bootcamp Available to all NZPPI Members
Business Central has put together a Payroll Bootcamp, starting 11th May 2021, updating you on changes to payroll legislation. All NZPPI members can take advantage of their member discount price, courtesy of our affiliation with the EMA.
Skilled Newcomers program connecting you with skilled talent
Business Central has an awesome initiative, creating ease for employers when looking for the right candidates for their company.
2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards opens for entries
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards. The awards celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
Skills Shortages
The closure of NZ’s borders due to Covid-19 means that there will be lack of overseas workers – especially in high skill areas, like propagation.
Join NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival, 12-14 March
Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival is a vibrant, contemporary garden festival
Kellogg Rural Leadership Course 2 applications open now
Are you working in the food and fibre sector and passionate about growing your leadership style, your networks and contributing to your community and industry? If you are, then we encourage you to take the next step in your development and do a Kellogg Rural Leadership course.
Primary Industry Capability Alliance research and insights forum on workforce in the food and fibre sector
On February the 25th NZ Plant Producers attended the PICA research & insights forum on ‘Growing our Workforce through Quality Workplaces’
New Zealand emerging from the bubble
On Wednesday 24 March, NZ Plant Producers Alice Schofield and Alix Walles attended Ngā Kōrero Whai Take - Conversations that Count.
Women's leadership scholarships available
Scholarships are currently available through Women & Leadership New Zealand to support the development of women leaders across New Zealand’s plants and horticulture sector
He Tātai Rangahua - The Food and Fibre Youth Network
Apply for the Food and Fibre Youth Council – registration closes on the 9th of April.
Minimum wage rates increase from Thursday, 1 April 2021
As a business owner or manager, you need to be ready for the increase in minimum wage rates from Thursday, 1 April 2021.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey
NZ Plant Producers would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey, to identify your needs in labour, skills and training for 2021
Catch us at the Rotorua careers expo
We are very excited to be participating at this year’s career expo in Rotorua on the 10th and 11th of May.
NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi
NZ Plant Producers attended Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival on 12-14 March
Entries now open – are you the next plant production Young Achiever?
After being forced to cancel in 2020, the next competition will be held on July 14-15, at Growing Spectrum, Hamilton.
Entries are open and must be submitted by Sunday 2 May 2021.
Lincoln University resumes horticulture diplomas and degrees
The new Bachelor of Commerce (Horticulture) is designed to produce business leaders in the horticultural and food industries. The degree will provide the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in a management or advisory role.
Plant production jobs showcased
Plant production joins other primary industries to promote careers and employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.
Visa changes for temporary workers
The Government has announced visa changes to allow temporary migrant workers in New Zealand to continue to fill labour shortages. Employers are still expected to genuinely seek to fill job vacancies with New Zealanders.
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